Making Business Sense of Data to Enable Usage-Based Billing

 The key functionality required for a usage-based billing model, also known as a consumption-based or pay-per-use model, is the ability to retrieve data and extract business meaning from it and present it to the billing system for billing purposes. This may sound like an easy task, but in reality it may not be that simple. It can be like pulling a needle out of a haystack. There are many sources of data to be collected, with large amounts of data in various formats, some binary and difficult to read, and complex relationships between different pieces of Sap Brim data.

Common functions required include translating data into a common format, enriching, correlating or validating data with other data sources, filtering out duplicates, detecting errors and reprocessing with applied corrections, and possibly even detecting fraud in transit. And all of this probably needs to happen in real time.

This function is known as intermediary and originates in the telecommunications industry, where usage-based billing and the challenges associated with it have always been a major concern. With the advent of 5G, the need to switch is becoming more important as networks become more complex, and also with the increasing need to collect data from applications via APIs that partners can have to ultimately support the new business models envisioned.

But it's not just about telecommunications. In other industries, usage-based models are increasing rapidly. Think of the high-tech industry with smart products and devices with embedded software and various XaaS business models, the automotive industry with related vehicles, travel and transportation or mobility as a service where many countries work together Door-to-door travel, the utility industry with smart meters and charging stations for electric vehicles, ports with terminal operating systems, etc. Software is ubiquitous in all of these use cases, and use of software generates the data needed to bill new service-based services. So mediation becomes an important component for all industries where new business models are offered.

Due to the intermediary position between software and service platforms on the one hand and invoices and other customer-oriented systems on the other, it is invisible and often forgotten. At least until the problem arises.

The advantages of a flexible and stable switching solution are obvious. Less time on the market helps you stay one step ahead of the competition. Accurate invoices mean a positive customer experience. Reduced sales outflow ensures high sales and strong margins. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, it's better to plan for these critical components from the start.